by 
Sunday November 22, 2020 Smile of the Day: Toy Story
On this Day:
Toy Story was released in theatres in North America on November 22, 1995.
Toy Story is a 1995 American computer-animated comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It was the first entirely computer-animated feature film, as well as the first feature film from Pixar. It features the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Jim Varney, Annie Potts, R. Lee Ermey, John Morris, Laurie Metcalf, and Erik von Detten. Taking place in a world where anthropomorphic toys come to life when humans are not present, the plot focuses on the relationship between an old-fashioned pull-string cowboy doll named Woody and an astronaut action figure, Buzz Lightyear, as they evolve from rivals competing for the affections of their owner Andy Davis, to friends who work together to be reunited with him after being separated from him.
It was the highest-grossing film during its opening weekend, eventually grossing over $373 million worldwide. The film received critical acclaim, and holds a rare 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was praised for the technical innovation of the 3D animation, wit and thematic sophistication of the screenplay, musical score, and vocal performances (particularly Hanks and Allen); it is considered by many to be one of the best animated films ever made. The film received three Academy Award nominations (Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Song for “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”, and Best Original Score) as well as winning a Special Achievement Academy Award. In 2005, its first year of eligibility, it was inducted into the National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” (per Wikipedia).
First, a Story:
What musical group does Buzz Lightyear listen to? The Neptunes.
Second, a Song:
Here is Randy Newman’s song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” set to scenes from Toy Story.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMN4JZ8crVY)
Thought for the Day:
“Movie-making is telling a story with the best technology at your disposal.” – Tom Hanks
Have a great day!
© 2020 David J. Bilinsky and Colleen E. Bilinsky
Leave a Reply